Knowledge archival and recollection systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to data acquisition, analysis, and management system for professionals and organizations of all sizes across many different industries. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for tracking, billing, logging, reporting, archiving, searching, and mining on- and off-line user interactions. Not only does the present invention provide methods that simplify business and/or academic research activities, but provides an easy way to build and manage a scalable and secure e-library system. The present invention includes a unique log, report, search, and annotation engines, plus personalization and customization features. Sophisticated data acquisition, analysis, and management modules are hidden behind a simple toolbar embedded in the Network browser on a client computer. A backend, which consists of a scalable database system, is able to build itself into a hierarchical e-library system and software comprised of unique log, report, search, and annotation engines, plus personalization and customization features.

This is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent application No.60/525,003, which was filed on Nov. 25, 2003, which in turn claimspriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/636,448, which wasfiled on Aug. 11, 2003, which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) from provisional application No. 60/148,491, which was filed onAug. 12, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to data acquisition, analysis,and management system for professionals and organizations of all sizesacross many different industries. Specifically system and software withthe function of tracking, logging, reporting, archiving, searching, andmining on- and off-line user interactions. The present inventionsimplifies business and/or academic research activities but also makesit an easy task to build and manage a scalable and secure e-librarysystem. The present invention includes a unique log, report, search, andannotation engines, plus personalization and customization features.

The present invention also consists of sophisticated data acquisition,analysis, and management modules hidden behind a simple toolbar embeddedin the Web browser on a client computer. The backend of the presentinvention consists of a scalable database system, which is able to builditself into a hierarchical e-library system. The present invention isenvisioned to be scalable from implementation in a small office networkof a few client computers to a global corporate network with thousandsof users.

While there exists prior art that mainly performs data logging, noneaddress the issues of extracting meaningful insights from the trackingdata in a client server environment. The present invention tracks theactivities (web and locally) of a user and keeps an audit trail of hisactions. The Data Acquisition part consists of plug-ins embedded withinthe network browser. These components can be programmed to collectsystem wide data and send the information to a central server in anenterprise setting or store them locally for a standalone deployment.The information collected is extensive in nature and is used as the basefor a variety of analytics and reports. The tracking component in thenetwork browser is a lightweight invisible component completelytransparent to the user, and it tracks all the user actions in a browserincluding the navigation and input actions. All the data collected onthe client machines is stored in a central database server for postprocessing and analysis. Partner online can provide complete profilingof the user behavior with different granularity levels.

Advanced Productivity Software, Inc. (APS) develops and markets timetracking and electronic research tracking software for the legal andother professional markets. APS's software tracks time spent on e-mail,tasks, calendar events, etc. and integrates with accounting, time &billing systems and other software applications. Unlike the presentinvention, APS's software requires manual time-entry by the user anddoes not provide an audit trail.

Time Matters Software is a leading practice management softwareprovider. Some features of Time Matters include: a Central Timer Controlsystem that enables time tracking of concurrent multiple tasks, SQLreporting, web access tools and multi-office replication andsynchronization capabilities to portable devices. Its desktop andweb-based software versions are available via a non-ASP model. TimeMatters provides an option to link to industry leading programs forbilling/expense control, and document automation and management. TimeMatters integrates into a practice management software package, and isalso sold through Lexis Nexis, a third party legal content provider anddata aggregator. Unlike the present invention, Time Matters requires themanual setting of an on-off timer clock and requires the user to createand manually maintain databases of web sites and web references.

PensEra Knowledge Technologies Inc. provides time tracking and knowledgemanagement to the legal profession. PensEra develops Web-based knowledgetools and portal tools, i.e. an online timesheet and central repositoryof data input, respectively. Its software accommodates a wide range ofportable upload and synchronization devices. Unlike The presentinvention, PensEra's tracking software requires time entries by the userand does not provide an audit trail.

AskSam Systems, Inc. through its SurfSaver software creates a searchablearchive of information. The software allows for permanent storage ofwebsites including graphics and hypertext links. The SurfSaver Networkversion lets multiple users save, search, and view information. Inaddition, folders can be emailed to other. SurfSaver users. SurfSaverlets a research assistant gather on-line research to share with others.Unlike the present invention, SurfSaver does provide an audit trail ortrack time on the computer. It also can not be integrated into any timeand billing/invoicing software packages.

Both Worlds Software, Inc. through its Image Time software mainlyaddresses the accounting profession. Through the company's Image Timesoftware, a client is provided the ability to eliminate timesheets,monitor productivity and track client receivables; provide timelyreports about clients and staff; analyze firm growth, and prepare peerreview. Unlike the present invention, Both Worlds Software does nottrack Internet research.

AimingTech provides software integrated with other windows applicationsto help users find information online and offline. AimingTech softwarealso allows a user to annotate online and offline content and searchthese annotated documents. Unlike the present invention the AimingTechsoftware does not provide users with the audit trails of the useractivities or have an efficient report generated embedded with thepackage.

iMarkup Solutions, Inc. provides collaboration and workflow solutionsfor digital content and document management. Their products enableworkers to collaborate within and across document content and knowledgemanagement systems. Their tools enable end-users to communicate,annotate, organize and collaborate over the Web as well as providingbusiness users the tools needed to automate and manage their existingbusiness processes. Unlike the present invention iMarkup is not capableof generating customized reports, nor does it provide users with alogical, visual trail depicting how information is retrieved.

Net Snippets is a suite of Personal and Collaborative InformationManagement Solutions for Internet-based Research. Net Snippets offers auser-friendly platform for personal and collaborative enterpriseresearch, providing users selective information clipping, built inediting tools and an embedded search engine. Net Snippets also createsenterprise research repository and automatically indexes the data bothlocally and remotely. However, unlike the present invention it does notprovide an audit trail of the online or offline user activities.

BillQuick, a time and billing software is used for off-site consultantsand satellite offices: time keeping, expense recording, reportgeneration, invoicing, client management and project management via theWeb, and time and expense recording on a Palm or Windows CE device.Unlike the present invention, BillQuick does not disclose a web baseddocument archive or web based document modification, and recollectionsystem.

Elite Information Group, Inc. through its subsidiaries includingElite.com and Law Manager, Inc., provides financial & practicemanagement software applications, for law firms and other professionalservice organizations. Elite provides Internet-based time tracking andbilling services to smaller professional services companies. Law Managerprovides software products including case management, docketing, recordsmanagement, e-commerce systems and implementation services to law firms,large corporate legal departments and government agencies. Systemsinclude invoice tracking, budgeting, case management and recordsmanagement. Unlike the present invention, Elite's products do not track,monitor, or capture Internet research activity.

Telemate.Net provides URL filtering tools primarily to help companiesmanage their employees Internet access and usage. Such as networkgateways, switches, and provisioning and billing systems, as well ascall accounting and Internet usage management applications. Unlike Thepresent invention, Telemate's products do not have automated timetracking and billing/invoicing capabilities.

Websense Enterprise, provides Employee Internet Management (EIM)software that enable businesses to manage how their employees use theInternet at work. This product gives businesses the ability to implementand configure Internet access policies in support of their efforts toimprove employee productivity, conserve network bandwidth and storagespace, and mitigate potential legal liability. The Company's softwareapplications operate in conjunction with its proprietary Websense MasterDatabase, which is available for daily incremental downloads.

Westlaw Group provides online legal research services. It enables legalprofessionals to conduct their research quickly with an extensivecollection of legal resources, news, business, and public recordsinformation. Additionally, the company's software platform allows themto allocate time and billing services to a client project. Westlaw ismainly a third party content provider and data aggregator. Unlike Thepresent invention, Westlaw's products do not have automated Internetactivity tracking, monitoring and capturing features.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,024 issued to Bauersfeld et al. discloses a browsingsession recording playback and editing system for generating userdefined paths and allowing users to mark the importance of items in thepaths. The '024 invention automatically records every web page that theuser visits. The user can then view all of the paths traversed using asession history toolbar, which incorporates a few control options. Theuser may also edit the paths, and mark pages on a priority basis. Unlikethe present invention, the Bauersfeld et al. invention does not allowthe user to query the session history, it merely allows a user to playback and modify the session history.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,730 issued to Feliciano et al. discloses a methodfor monitoring and modifying web browsing sessions. The '730 inventionallows for network activity to be recorded by rerouting client HTTPrequests through a centralized gateway server, which can record thesequence and timing of URL's accessed by the individuals on the network.The Feliciano et al. invention also allows the user to add content tothe network documents and stores the modification on the gateway server.Unlike the present invention, the '730 patent does not allow the user toact on behalf of a multitude of clients tracking Internet activity on aclient matter basis.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,625,624 issued to Chen et al. discloses a system andmethod of archiving web pages and accessing information from a serveracross a communication network. The '624 invention enables users toretrieve information even after such information has disappeared fromthe original server. Unlike the present invention the Chen system doesnot include the ability to monitor on an individual client basis thetime spent on the internet, nor does it allow the user to modify the webbased documents or provide access to archived data gathered by otherusers utilizing the archive system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,647,531 issued to Issac et al. discloses a method ofcustomization of network documents. A user may access a networkdocument, and customize it. The customized document is archived. Uponthe user navigating to a network address, the network address iscross-referenced with an archive storing customized network documents.If the network document has been previously customized, the customizeddocument is output to the user. Unlike the present invention the '531patent does not disclose a method of keeping an audit trail of userinteraction, nor does it provide document confidence ranking orknowledge sharing within the network users group.

The present invention enables clients to effectively track, monitor, andcapture in-house and outsourced professional services with regard tocomputer activity and Internet research. The present invention is aweb-based application applicable across the entire PSA market. The priorart consisting of software applications designed to capture and bill fortime spent, and in some cases time spent on the computer. However, otherthan the present invention, no prior art appears capable of providing anautomated audit trail to validate time spent online, with detail of thewebsites visited. Much of the prior art's capabilities are limited togenerating user-managed time sheets.

Although the prior art perform their respective purposes, what is neededin the industry of time tracking is a system which consists ofsophisticated data acquisition, analysis, and management modules hiddenbehind a simple toolbar embedded in the Network browser on a clientcomputer, and a backend which consists of a scalable database system,which is able to build itself into a hierarchical e-library system andsoftware comprised of unique log, report, search, and annotationengines, plus personalization and customization features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and computedimplemented methods that seamlessly track a users movement and activityon their computer. The user's computer may be a stand alone or over asimple or distributed network.

One embodiment of the present invention is a knowledge archival andrecollection system accessible by at least one user. The systemcomprises a data acquisition module in communication with a databaseserver and a file archive. The data acquisition module includes anetwork browser plug-in and a toolbar plug-in embedded in a networkbrowser toolbar of the at least one user's computer. The file archive isin communication with the database server, a file archive indexer, andthe data acquisition module. A data presentation module is incommunication with a report module and a search module. The reportmodule is in communication with the database server, the datapresentation module, the search module and the file archive. The searchmodule is in communication with the database server, a file archiveindexer, the data presentation module, the report module and the filearchive. The file archive indexer is in communication with the filearchive, the database server, the report module and the search module.The system gathers user activity data and files accessed by each atleast one user through the data acquisition module and archives the useractivity data and files on the database server and the file archive forretrieval by each at least one user.

Another embodiment provides a method of recording user activity in aknowledge archival and recollection system. The method comprising afirst step of initiating a network browser plug-in on detecting that anetwork browser has been opened. This is followed by the step ofproviding at least one file to the user from the network. The next stepmay be transmitting and storing at least one file to a file archiveusing a file transfer protocol. User activity data may be gathered foreach at least one file accessed. User activity data may be gathered foreach related at least one file. Followed by transmitting and storing theuser activity data to a database server using a database connectionprotocol. Followed by the final step of indexing each at least onedocument.

Yet another embodiment provides a method of extracting knowledge from aknowledge archival and recollection system. This method may comprise thesteps of recognizing a user actuation; initiating a search application;displaying a user search interface; receiving input parameters via thesearch interface; identifying a query type based on the received inputparameters; formulating a database query based on the received inputparameters; transmitting the database query to a database; obtainingdatabase query results from the database; providing the database queryresults to a result, analyzer module; and displaying search resultanalyzer module results to a user.

Another embodiment provides a method of extracting knowledge from aknowledge archival and recollection system. The method may comprise thesteps of recognizing a user actuation; launching a reporting engine inresponse to the user actuation; receiving report parameters from, auser; formulating a query; configuring a report generator according tothe report parameters; transmitting the query to a database server;searching archived reports; loading query results into a reportgenerator; generating a report; and displaying the report on a graphicaluser interface.

Another embodiment provides a method of extracting knowledge from anenterprise-wide web knowledge recollection and archival system. Themethod may comprise the steps of recognizing a user actuation; launchinga reporting engine; receiving report parameters; formulating a query;configuring a report generator according to the report parameters;transmitting the query to a database server; obtaining query resultsfrom the database server according to the query; loading the queryresults into a report generator; generating a report; and displaying thereport on a graphical user interface.

Another embodiment provides a method of timing and recording useractivity in a knowledge archival and recollection system. The methodcomprises the steps of configuring an activity tracking module; logginginto said knowledge archival and recollection system; prompting the userwith a task identifier input interface upon opening an application userinterface; initiating a timer upon input into the input interface;stopping the timer upon inactive application interface; and storingtimer data into a database server.

Another embodiment provides a method of billing in an enterprise wideweb knowledge archival and recollection system. The method comprisingthe steps of: recognizing a user actuation; presenting a billing moduleuser interface. Inputting billing parameters; reading supporting datafrom a configuration file; formulating a query from the billingparameters; transmitting the query to a database server, and obtainingthe results from the query; analyzing the results; generating a reportusing a report generator and presenting the report to a user using areport viewer.

Yet another embodiment discloses a knowledge archival and recollectionsystem accessible by at least one user, the system comprising: a dataacquisition module in communication with a database server and a filearchive and a database connectivity module. The data acquisition moduleincludes a network browser plug-in and a toolbar plug-in embedded in anetwork browser of the at least one user's computer. The network browserplug-in transmits data gathered from at least one users network browserto the database server through the database connectivity module. Thefile archive is in communication with the database server, a filearchive indexer, and the data acquisition module. A data presentationmodule is in communication with a report module and a search modulewherein the report module is in communication with the database server,the data presentation module, the search module and the file archive andthe database connectivity module. The search module is in communicationwith the database server, a file archive indexer, the data presentationmodule, the report module and the file archive and the databaseconnectivity module. The file archive indexer is in communication withthe file archive, the database server, the report module and the searchmodule and a timing module in communication with the database server.The timing module records the start time and stop time for an activitywithin any computer based application. An automatic billing module is incommunication with a report module and database server. The automaticbilling module generates invoices on user activity. A messenger monitormodule is in communication with the database server, and the filearchive. The messenger monitor module tracks user activity in amessenger application. A database connectivity module in communicationwith the data acquisition module, the file archive, the database server,the report module, and the search module, and the automatic billingmodule, the timing module, the messenger monitor module. The databaseconnectivity module acts as communication gateway to the databaseserver. The system gathers user activity data and files accessed by eachthe at least one user through the data acquisition module and archivesthe user activity data and files on the database server and the filearchive for the retrieval by each the at least one user.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method ofrecording user activity in a knowledge archival and recollection system,the method comprising the steps of initiating a network browser plug-inon detecting that a network browser has been opened; providing at leastone file to the user from the network; reading a configuration file;creating a file transfer connection from the network browser plug-in toa file archive; establishing communication between the network browserplug-in and a database server; transmitting and storing at least onefile to a file archive using a file transfer protocol; gathering useractivity data for each the at least one file accessed; associating theuser activity data to each related the at least one file; transmittingand storing the user activity data to a database server using a databaseconnection protocol; and indexing each the at least one file.

Another embodiment provides a method of searching in a knowledgearchival and recollection system, the method comprising the steps:recognizing a user actuation; initiating a search application;displaying a user search interface; receiving input parameters via thesearch interface; identifying a query type based on the received inputparameters; formulating a keyword query based on the received inputparameters; transmitting the keyword query to an indexer; formulating adatabase query based on the received input parameters; transmitting thedatabase query to a database; obtaining the keyword query results fromthe indexer; obtaining database query results from the database;determining an intersection of the keyword query results and thedatabase query results; providing the intersection to thepost-processing module; generating a rank for each database queryresult; obtaining a click stream for each database query result;displaying search result analyzer and click stream visualization moduleresults to a user.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a single user system architecture according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a multiple user network environment according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a multiple user distributed network according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of the system overview according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C depict a screen shot of a portion of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a screen shot of a portion of the system according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a screen shot of a portion of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a method of implementation according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a screen shot of a portion of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a screen shot of a portion of the system according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 21 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 23 depicts a method according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 25 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 26 depicts a portion of the system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1, provides a knowledgearchival and recollection system 20, for tracking user activity in aclient server environment, archiving and managing user knowledge, andextracting meaningful insight from the user activity data and archivedknowledge. It is envisioned that the present invention may beparticularly valuable in business and academic environments, wherecollaboration and time tracking of highly detailed nature areparticularly important.

The knowledge archival and recollection system 20 has modulesintercommunicating to perform a myriad of functions. The vastfunctionality of the knowledge archival and recollection system 20 stemsfrom three basic functions: (1) data acquisition, (2) data archival, and(3) data recollection. The data acquisition functionality may be bothonline and offline. Much work throughout all industries and academia isdone using a computer in both online and offline settings. For example,a lawyer working on a computer may be working on behalf of a clientsearching Internet resources and concurrently typing a memorandum in aword processing application running on the local computer operatingsystem. Data acquisition functions include tracking, logging, and filemodification and may be both online and offline. Tracking and logginguser activity provides an easy way of automatically auditing time spentby users utilizing a computer system with marginal need for user input.Because all data acquisition functions are designed to operate for bothonline and offline applications, complete records of all activity in thecomputer environment may be generated and stored. Intrinsic to thetracking and logging function is the ability of users to modify andpersonalize the files accessed using their computer system. Given thevast amount of electronic information, it is extremely useful for usersto write notes, or modify information on the files accessed. Forexample, a user may navigate to a file (may include a webpage) on anetwork, find it relevant to the task at hand and make certain notes andmodifications to the file highlighting pertinent information. At afuture date the same user may navigate to the same file. The previouslymade modifications may quickly remind the user exactly why the page wasmarked with importance. Modification and personalization functions aidusers in keeping track of information and knowledge accessed whilebrowsing a network. Paired with a searching function, the modificationfunction allows multiple users researching common subjects to sharethoughts on the information accessed. This results in reduced searchingtimes and a collaborative learning environment.

The data archiving function works in conjunction with the tracking,logging, and modifying functionality by recording all the informationcollected by the data acquisition function. The data archiving functionarchives files accessed by a user and the respective data gathered bythe tracking and logging and modifying functions. The search functionaids users in knowledge recollection and information sharing betweenusers. All information recorded by the data acquisition functions is atthe disposal of the user, for users may search the archived informationaccording to customizable input parameters. The searching functionseffectively reduce the amount of time wasted performing redundantresearch, which may be especially beneficial to research groups in whichmultiple users are researching a common topic. The searching functionalso allows users to retrieve files previously accessed and may alsoprovide a user with a visual depiction of the logical steps taken toarrive at a particular file.

A reporting function works in conjunction with the searching functionsand generates customizable activity reports based on user inputparameters and information stored on the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20.

The present invention consists of sophisticated data acquisition,analysis, and management modules hidden behind a simple toolbar embeddedin the network browser on a client computer. The backend of the presentinvention consists of a scalable database system, which self-propagatesto build itself into a hierarchical e-library system. The presentinvention is envisioned to be scalable from implementation in a smalloffice network of a few client computers to a global corporate networkwith thousands of users. It should be understood that the number 20 isintended to encompass a number of different systems as in FIGS. 1-3.This is not exhaustive, and is merely intended to depict that it isenvisioned that there may be a number of different systems and systemarchitectures in which the present invention may be utilized.

The flexible client server system provides flexibility and scalabilityto, the system. FIG. 1 depicts the knowledge archival and recollectionsystem 20 residing on a single computer 21. In this case, the system 20is configured to stand alone on a single computer 21 for use by at leastone user (e.g. 23, 25, 27) working locally on the computer 21.

FIG. 2 depicts the knowledge archival and recollection system 20 as adistributed system, distributed over a local network 33. Thissmall-scale distributed system 20 consists of at least one centralserver 29 and at least one computer (e.g. 21, 31, 35, 39, 41) incommunication with the central server 29 via a local network 33. Oneexample of this small scale distributed system is a company with onelocal in-house computer network. In this case employees who are part ofthe corporations local network may access the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20. The present invention facilitates knowledgesharing within the local network.

FIG. 3 depicts the knowledge archival and recollection system 20 as alarger scale distributed system. This system 20 may consist of multipleservers (e.g. 29, 41) and multiple intercommunicating networks, whichmay be in various locations. A multitude of computers (e.g. 21, 35, 31,37, 39, 41) may be in communication with the servers (e.g. 29, 41) viathe intercommunicating local networks. One example of this systemconfiguration is a large corporation with multiple offices in differentlocations. Aside from auditing tracking and storing user activity, thislarge-scale distributed network facilitates the sharing of knowledgethroughout the entire corporate computer network in multiple locations.

FIG. 4 depicts the main modules of the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20 according to the preferred embodiment. Themodules may be a data acquisition module 26, a data presentation module40, a file archive 24, a file archive indexer 32, a database server 22,a search module 28, a report module 30, an automatic timing module 36, abilling module 38, and a messenger monitor module 34. The simple,user-friendly and transparent modules work seamlessly and automaticallywith a multitude of computer operating systems and network browsers.This may be any of the configurations depicted in FIGS. 1-3 orvariations as are well known within the art. Examples of the computeroperating systems are LINUX/UNIX based systems, and Microsoft Windowsbased systems. The network browser may be an intranet browser or anInternet browser such as Windows based Internet Explorer or NetscapeNavigator, mozilla, or the UNIX/Linux based Mozilla, Netscape.

The database server 22 may be in communication with a data acquisitionmodule 26, a messenger monitor module 34, an automatic timing module 36,a file archive 24, a search module 28, a report module 30, a billingmodule 38 (See FIG. 4). The term in communication is intended to meanany means of communication known within the art. This may be, aninternet connection or a direct connection. The database server 22stores user activity data gathered and transmitted by the dataacquisition module 26, messenger monitor module 34 and automatic timingmodule 36. User activity data may be user activity information, systeminformation and environment information. User activity information maybe the webpage addresses visited, files visited. System information maybe the information regarding your computer such as operating system, ipaddress, computer name, location. Environment information mayinformation concerning whether your on a network, network location, etc.For the purposes of retrieval of user activity data, the database server22 is in communication with the search module 28 and report module 30.The database server may also store data transmitted from the billingmodule 40, search module 28 and report module 30.

The file archive 24 is in communication with the data acquisition module26, file archive indexer 32 and search module 28. The file archive 24may also be in communication with the report module 30. The file archive24 stores the files accessed by the user in the network browser,generating a comprehensive e-library of information. The term file mayinclude, but is not limited to, web-based document, word processingdocument, spreadsheet document, portable document format, XML file, atext file, a web-based file, a media file, and an audio file. The filearchive 24 is an integral component to the knowledge recollectionfunctions of the present invention.

The amount of information on computer networks and the World Wide Web isgrowing at astronomical rates and can often be overwhelming. A barrageof sources often confronts those performing research on the World WideWeb and can lead to confusion and frustration. For example, anindividual may be researching a topic and find a very good and relevantsource of information. The individual may want to access the same sourceat a later date, only to find it no longer in existence. The knowledgearchival and recollection system 20 remedies this situation by archivingall files accessed by the user on the file archive 24 effectivelybuilding an e-library of information. By storing the files accessed byusers on the file archive 24, paired with the activity data stored onthe database server 22, the knowledge archival and recollection system20 may record complete records of user activity. This solves the problemof outdated yet potentially important files being lost.

The data acquisition module 26 may be in communication with the databaseserver 22 and the file archive 24. The data acquisition module 26gathers user activity data that may be transmitted and stored on thefile archive 24 and the database server 22. The data acquisition module26 also gathers files accessed by at least one user in a networkbrowser, and transmits the files to the file archive. The functionalityof the system revolves around user activity data collection by the dataacquisition module 26, the storage of the user activity data on thedatabase server 22, and the storage of the files accessed on the filearchive 24.

A file archive indexer 32 is in communication with the file archive 24,with the prime function of indexing the information stored on the filearchive 24. As the size of the file archive 24 increases, the timerequired to, search the archive increases as well. To alleviate thisproblem, the file archive indexer 32 is implemented to generate an indexof the contents of the file archive 24. Searching the file archiveindexer 32 rather than searching the entire file archive 24 increasesthe efficiency of the system.

The search module 28 is in communication with the file archive indexer32, the file archive 24, the database server 22 the report module 30,and the data presentation module 40. The search module 28 orchestratesthe search functions of the knowledge archival and recollection system20. Searching as performed by the search module 28, allows users toaccess information stored on the file archive 24 and the database server22. The search module 28 assembles search parameters input by the user,translates these parameters into search queries, and transmits thesearch queries to the file archive 24, file archive indexer 32 anddatabase server 22. The search module 28, in conjunction with the datapresentation module 40, also displays these query results to the user,received from the file archive 24, file archive indexer 32 and databaseserver 22, to the user.

A report module 30 is in communication with both the database server 22and the search module 28. Like the search module, the report module isan integral part of the greater knowledge recollection function. Thereport module 30 and search module 28 perform many of the samefunctions, such as querying the database server 22, and are therefore incommunication. The report module 30 generates activity reports based onuser input parameters, and may not only display the report to the user,but also transmit the reports electronically to a mail server.

The system may also have an automatic timing module 36. The automatictiming module 36, records the time duration of user activity for bothonline and offline computer applications. This time data is transmittedto and stored on the database server 22.

The knowledge archival and recollection system 20 may also have amessenger monitor module 34. The messenger monitor module 34 is incommunication with the database server 22, and monitors all useractivities in various messenger applications, and transmits the datagathered to the database server 22. This provides for extensive recordsof all Instant Messaging activities.

Modules in communication with the file archive 24 (e.g. data acquisitionmodule 26, file archive indexer 32, search module 28) communicate withthe file archive 24 according to a file transfer connection which may bea network drive map, secure FTP, HTTP, IP-based connection. Modules incommunication with the database server 22 (e.g. file archive 24, searchmodule 28, report module 30, billing module 38 automatic timing module36, messenger monitor module 34, data acquisition module 26 databaseconnectivity module 44) communicate with the database server 22according to a database connection protocol, which may be ODBC, JDBC,HTTP/PHP.

FIG. 5 depicts the knowledge archival and recollection system 20 whichmay also have a database connectivity module 44 and a post-processingmodule 42. The database connectivity module 44, acts as an intermediaryfor communication between any module and the database server 22. Thedatabase connectivity module 44 may reside on either the user side ofthe system or the server side of the system and may be in communicationwith the data acquisition module 26, the database server 22, the reportmodule 30, and the search module 28. The database connectivity module 44may also be in communication with an automatic timing module 36, abilling module 38 and a messenger monitor module 34.

FIG. 6 depicts the data acquisition module 26 according to a preferredembodiment. The data acquisition module 26 may be a standalone programresiding on a users computer, or may be an embedded program, embedded ina users network browser 54. The data acquisition module 26 consists oftwo sub components, the network browser plug-in 50 and the toolbarplug-in 52. The toolbar plug-in 52 component of the data acquisitionmodule 26, may be embedded in the toolbar of the network browser 54. Thetoolbar plug-in 52 is in communication with the network browser 54, andthe database server 22. The toolbar plug-in 52, may also be incommunication with a database connectivity module 44.

The network browser plug-in 50 is in communication with the networkbrowser 54, the database server 22, and the file archive 24. The networkbrowser plug-in 50 may also be in communication with a databaseconnectivity module 44. The network browser plug-in 50 may sit on theback of the network browser 54, it may be selected from the groupconsisting of visible plug-in, invisible plug-in and in built plug-in.

The functionality of the knowledge archival and recollection system 20revolves around the collection of user activity data. The dataacquisition module 26 has multiple functions. One main function is togather the user activity data and transmit the data to the databaseserver 22. Another function of the data acquisition module is to gatheractual content accessed by the user and transmit the files to the filearchive 24, as well as provide a platform through which the user caninvoke other functions of the knowledge archival and recollection system20 such as search, report and file modification. Via the dataacquisition module 26, users gain access to the' knowledge archival, andrecollection system 20. In gaining access to the system 20, a user maybe required to present any given amount of identification information,for example, a user name and password. Users may also have differentlevels of authority. The authority level assigned to users dictates whatlevel of access the user may have to the system. The authority levelsmay be designated and controlled by a system administrator.

The network browser plug-in 50 may be programmed to monitor all useractivity in the network browser 54, gather user activity data, and sendthe user activity data to the database server 22 or store the useractivity data locally. The information collected is extensive in natureand may be used as the base for a variety of analytics and reports,executed by the search module 28 and report module 30. The user activitydata gathered by the network browser plug-in 50 may consist of useractivity information, system information and environment information.The network browser plug-in 50 may also send the files accessed by theuser in the network browser 54 to the file archive 24. This featureallows the system to build an e-library of content accessed by the user.

The network browser plug-in 50 is able to sit behind any network browser54 without noticeable computing overhead. Large computing overhead is aproblem with many other plug-in programs, as the overhead will slow downthe machine as well as take up system resource substantially. Thenetwork browser plug-in 50, on the other hand, is taking the minimumsystem resources and may work seamlessly with all types of networkbrowsers.

The toolbar plug-in 52 may collect file enhancement information andtransmit the collected information to the database server 22. Fileenhancement information may include but is not limited to annotations,highlights, categories, rankings and other file modifications. Thepresent invention facilitates rapid customization of data by giving theuser the power to highlight the sub-parts or the relevant parts of thefiles accessed in the network browser.

FIG. 7A depicts a screen shot of the network browser 54 when a user ispersonalizing data. Users are given the option for personalization ofdata by being able to put in their own notes and summaries for the webdata. Users may also insert, or associate other files 152 with certainnetwork browser files. These portions can be retrieved, exported orsimply be reproduced as annotations next time the content is accessed,this kind of tagging of online content along with the highlighting 150can be shared among multiple users if the system is deployed in anenterprise configuration. Although, it is not viewable, there may becomments that when a mouse is over a highlighted portion (such as 150)they may be viewable. For instance, someone may right their thoughts onthat portion and the next person to view the webpage would then seethese comments. The network browser toolbar 94, the visible component tothe toolbar plug-in 52, acts like a control panel for all the keyfunctions of the knowledge archival and recollection system 20. Variousmodules and their respective functions of the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20, such as the reporting module 30, searchingmodule 28, billing module 38, automatic timing module 36, may be invokedthrough the network browser toolbar 94. This consolidation of control toone network browser toolbar 94 is user-friendly and requires a brief andsimple learning process. It is highly structured to give user themaximum usage of the product. It also provides the interfaces for usersto access other modules of the product.

FIG. 7B depicts a screenshot 179 of a click stream for cnn.com. Asshown, the url for each webpage is (e.g. 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186)to track the users movement. FIG. 7C depicts a usage report 160, showinga graphical depiction of a count of username 161 for each username 172.There is also a chart with the machine name 129, action 133, domain name135, category 137, vote 139 and rank 140 for each username 127.

FIG. 8 depicts a screen shot of an application in the knowledge archivaland recollection system. Employing an actuation method, a user mayinvoke an application of the knowledge archival and recollection system20 In the case of the data acquisition module 26 being an embeddedapplication of the network browser 54, the actuation method may be“mouse clicking” the field of the desired application on the networkbrowser toolbar 94. As shown, a date range (from 120 to 121) may beselected. The report fields 122, select criteria 124 and graph options126 may each be altered according to the user. Within the selectcriteria 124, the user may view category 128, domain 130, users 132,rank and vote 134 and other miscellaneous 136 items.

FIG. 9 depicts a method of initiating and utilizing the data acquisitionmodule 26 according to the present invention. The method may include;(step 200) initiating a network browser plug-in 50 upon a user opening anetwork browser 54; (step 202) navigating by the user to at least onefile in the network browser 54; (step 204) reading a configuration fileby the network browser plug-in 50 and creating a file transferconnection between the network browser plug-in 50 and the file archive24; and (step 206) creating a connection between the network browserplug-in 50 and the database server 22. The network browser plug-in 50may be in communication with the file archive 24 and the database server22 by way of a database connectivity module 44. The next step (step 208)may be transmitting and storing at least one file accessed by the useron the file archive 24 using a file transfer connection. The fileaccessed may be but is not limited to web-based document, wordprocessing document, spreadsheet document, portable document format, XMLfile, a text file, a web-based file, a media file, and an audio file.The next step (step 210) may be gathering data related to the file bythe network browser plug-in 50. The data gathered may be user activityinformation, system information and environment information. Next (step212) may be associating the data with the file accessed, transmittingand storing the data to a database server 22 using a database connectionprotocol. Step 214 may be indexing the file transmitted and stored onthe file archive 24 by the file archive indexer 32.

FIG. 10 depicts a method of enhancing files accessed in the networkbrowser 54. The method may include the steps, Step 220: initiating afile enhancement by performing an actuation. The actuation may beactuating an icon in the toolbar of the network browser 54, an icon inthe system tray, and icon in a free-floating toolbar. The actuation mayalso hot key activation or context menu selection. Step 222: Promptingthe user to select the form of enhancement. The form of enhancement maybe but is not limited to highlighting, note addition, annotation,comment addition, footnote appending, endnote appending, and fileinsertion. Step 224, presenting the user with file enhancementinterface. Step 226: inputting by the user a file enhancement. Step 228:recording the file enhancement and associating it with the current fileaccessed by the user in the network browser 54. Step 229: may becreating a transparent layer over the file. Step 230 may be temporarilyrecording the file enhancement properties. Step 231: transmitting thefile enhancement data collected by the toolbar plug-in 52 to the networkbrowser plug-in 50. Step 232: transmitting and storing the fileenhancement data to the database server 22. The file enhancements may betoggled between visible and invisible with respect to a user display.The user and/or system administrator may also control access to the fileenhancements by any of a number of users.

FIG. 11 depicts a method of displaying file enhancements previouslyrecorded. The method may include the steps of Step 240: Providing a userwith a unique user identifier. Step 242: accessing at least one fileusing the network browser 50. Step 244: Obtaining by the network browserplug-in 50 the network address associated with the at least one file.Step 246: Searching the file archive 24 for archived files related tothe at least one files network address. Step 246: Comparing any archivedfile found relating to the at least one files network address to the atleast one file. Step 248: Searching the database server 22 for datarelated to the network address of the at least one file accessed by thenetwork browser. Related data may be file enhancements, such as but notlimited to comments, highlights, and rankings. Step 250 retrieving anddisplaying any related file enhancements found on the database server22. Step 252 displaying file enhancements transparently over the atleast one file in the network browser window. Step 254: displaying fileenhancements (maybe as a list).

FIG. 12 depicts the messenger monitoring module 34 according to apreferred embodiment. Messaging is an important and widely used channelof communication in both personal and business capacities. Monitoringdata exchanged via messenger programs is important to individuals orbusinesses that wish to keep record of all forms of electroniccommunication or merely observe users messenger activities. Theknowledge archival and recollection system 20 may have a messengermonitor module 34 for the function of auditing and recording useractivity in a messenger application 60. The messenger monitor module maybe in communication with a messenger application 60 and the databaseserver 22. The messenger monitor module 34 may also be in communicationwith a database connectivity module 44. The messenger application 60 maybe but is not limited to AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Windows Messaging,or other similar chatting programs. The messenger monitor module 34 maybe a stand-alone program residing on a users computer, or may be aplug-in embedded in a users messenger application 60. The messengermonitor module 34 may sit on the back of the messenger application 60and may be visible or invisible to the user. The messenger monitormodule 34 may be selected from the group consisting of visible plug-in,invisible plug-in and in built plug-in. The messenger monitor module 34may be programmed to collect user activity data, which may be useractivity information, system information, and environment information,and transmit the information to the database server 22 or store theinformation locally. The user activity data collected is extensive innature and may be used as the base for a variety of analytics andreports executed by the search module 28 and the report module 30.

FIG. 13 depicts the search module according to the present embodiment.The search module 28 is comprised of a user search interface 70, asearch engine 72, a result analyzer 74, and a click-stream visualizationmodule 76. The search module 28 may be a standalone module residing onthe users computer, or may reside on the server side of the system. Theuser search interface 70 is in communication with the search engine 72,the search engine is in communication with the database server 22, thefile archive 24 and the file archive indexer 32. The result analyzer 74and click-stream visualization module 76 are in communication with thedatabase server 22, file archive 24 and the file archive indexer 32, andthe user search interface 70. The user search interface 70 may beembedded in the user's network browser window, may be a web basedinterface or a standalone module on the users computer.

The search module 28 of the knowledge archival and recollection system20 provides multi parameter search facilities for the retrieval of useractivity data stored on the database server, or files stored on the filearchive. The search module 28 provides the user with a variety of searchoptions and result visualization options.

Users may invoke the user search interface 70 by an actuation method.The actuation method may be actuating an icon located in the networkbrowser toolbar, or an icon in the system tray of the operating system.In the case of the user search interface 70 being a web-based interface,it may be invoked either through the toolbar of the network browser orby accessing a specific web address. When a user is presented with theuser search interface 70, the user may input parameters according towhich the user would like to search the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20. The types of input parameters may be customizedto the specific needs of the user. The input parameters will essentiallypertain to the user activity data stored on the database server 22 orthe content of files stored on the file archive 24. Examples of inputparameters for the search user interface 70 are keyword, time, userinformation, system information and client information. The user searchinterface 70 may transmit the input parameters entered by the user tothe search engine 72. The search engine 72 is programmed to convert theparameters transmitted from the user search interface 70 into a searchquery. The search engine 72 may transmit the search query to thedatabase server 22, file archive indexer 32 and the file archive 24.

Results from the query initiated by the search engine 72 are transmittedto the result analyzer 74 and the click stream visualization module 76.The result analyzer and the click stream visualization module processthese query results, and transmit the processed results to the usersearch interface. Process functions executed by the result analyzer 74may be dynamic, such as ranking and categorization. The click streamvisualization module 76 generates a visual depiction of the logicalactions taken by a user while browsing in the network browser. Clickstreams may also be searchable so that multiple users working on similarsubjects may access relevant click streams from previous researchers.Processed results are transmitted to the user search interface 70 fromthe result analyzer 74 and the click stream visualization module 76 andare displayed to the user.

FIG. 14 depicts a screen shot 93 of an example search according to thepreferred embodiment. In this example search may be for a user to inputparameters for files accessed from Jan. 15 2004 (input field 95) to Jan.19, 200 (input field 97), by user (98) developer 1, with a keyword 99 ofCNN. The user may input the search parameters in the appropriate fieldsof the user search interface. Given this is a valid search for whichstored information exists on the knowledge archival and recollectionsystem 20, the user will be presented with appropriate files, andrespective user activity information that match the search parameters.For each resulting file, the user may be presented with the file asarchived, user information associated with the file as archived, theonline file associated with the file as archived, as well as the clickstream. The click stream is a visual depiction of the browsing stepstaken by the user to reach the respective file. The resulting files maydepicted as thumb nail images, as well as full size images, not merelytextual information. Click stream elements may also be shown as visualindicators such as web page thumbnails, not merely just textualinformation.

FIG. 15 depicts a method of initiating and performing a search accordingto the preferred embodiment. Step 260: initiating the search module 28upon recognizing a user actuation. The user may actuate an icon in thenetwork browser window, the system tray, a hot key activation, or acontext menu selection. The user may also initiate the search module 28by starting a standalone program on the users computer or accessing aspecific web address. Step 262: presenting the user with a user searchinterface prompting the user to enter parameters according to which areport will be created. The parameters may be related to user activity,system information, file content, environment information and fileenhancement. Step 264 receiving the input parameters from the usersearch interface. Step 266: determining the query type based on theinput parameters received. Step 266: formulating a database query basedon search parameters. Step 268 transmitting the database query to thedatabase server 22. Step 270: formulating a keyword query If a keywordparameter is present Step 272: obtaining the keyword query results fromthe file archive indexer 32 and transmitting the results to the resultanalyzer. Step 274, obtaining the database query results from thedatabase server, and transmitting the results to the result analyzer.Step 276: determining the intersection of the keyword query results anddatabase query results. Step 278: transmitting the intersection ofresults to the result analyzer and click stream visualization module.Step 280: analyzing the query results. Step 282: Returning the resultsto the user through the user search interface. The results may bedisplayed as thumbnails, visual depiction of the click stream, archivedweb-pages, actual online content and file enhancements. Step 284:transmitting the database query results, keyword query results, and theinput parameters to the report module 30, and generating a report.

FIG. 16 depicts the report module according to the present embodiment.The report module 30 may be in communication the database server 22, thesearch module 28, and the billing module 30. The report module may alsobe in communication with the file archive 24, and the file archiveindexer 32 and a mail server 88. The report module 30 may be astandalone module residing on the users computer, or may reside on theserver side of the system.

The report module 30 is comprised of a user report interface 80, areport engine 86, a report generator 82, and a report viewer 84. Theuser report interface 80 is in communication with the report engine 86,and the report viewer 84. The user report interface 84 may be embeddedin a user's network browser window, may be a web based interface or astandalone module on the users computer. The report engine 86 is incommunication with the database server 22, the file archive 24, and thefile archive indexer 32, the report generator 82, and the user reportinterface 80. The report engine 86 may also be in communication with amail server 88, and a database connectivity module 44. The reportgenerator 82 is in communication with the report engine 86 and thereport viewer 84. The report generator 82 may be web based, and may beselected from the group consisting of crystal reports, ASP.net, and XML.

The report module 30 of the knowledge archival and recollection system20 provides multi parameter report facilities for the retrieval of useractivity data stored on the database server, or files stored on the filearchive, and the generation of reports incorporating this information.The report module 30 provides the user with a variety of report optionsand result visualization options.

Users may invoke the user report interface 80 by an actuation method.The actuation method may be actuating an icon located in the networkbrowser toolbar, or an icon in the system tray of the operating system.In the case of the user report interface 80 being a web-based interface,it may be invoked either through the toolbar of the network browser orby accessing a specific web address. When a user is presented with theuser report interface 70, the user may input parameters according towhich the user would like a report generated. According to theseparameters, the stored information on the knowledge archival andrecollection system 20 will be searched, and a report generated. Thetypes of input parameters may be customized to the specific needs of theuser. The input parameters will essentially pertain to the user activitydata collected by the data acquisition module. Examples of inputparameters for the report user interface 80 are keyword, time, userinformation, system information and client information. The user reportinterface 80 may transmit the input parameters entered by the user tothe report engine 86. The report engine 86 is programmed to convert thesearch parameters transmitted from the user report interface 80 into areport query. The report engine 86 may transmit the report query to thedatabase server 22. Query results from the database server 22 may betransmitted to the report generator 82. The report generator 82processes the query results, and transmits the processed results to thereport viewer 84. Both the report generator 82 and the report viewer 84may be customized. The reports may be customized per the requirements ofthe organization. For example, this may include graphics, logos,selection parameters, etc. Generated reports may transmitted to thedatabase server 22. Storing previously generated reports on the databaseserver prevents redundant report generation.

Users may generate the same report with the same parameters multipletimes, because previously generated reports are stored on the databaseserver. The previously generated report will be returned and displayedto the user thus minimizing work carried out by the knowledge archivaland recollection system 20.

Generated reports may be automatically sent from the report engine 86 toa mail server 88. Users may often be working for an employer, or onbehalf of a client, who frequently requires user activity reports. Tostreamline the task of reporting to employers or clients, it maydesirable for generated reports to be automatically transmitted to atleast one specific email address.

FIG. 17 depicts a screen shot of the user report interface 80 accordingto a preferred embodiment. This screen shot shows an example user reportinterface 80. The user report interface presents the user with aninterface with a multitude of parameter fields 81. The user may inputparameters into the respective fields parameters according to which theuser would like a report generated. The user may also select what typeof report they would like to have generated. The user may also selectthe type of user information they would like to have displayed in thegenerated report. In this case, the user has input parameters requestinga report for users: USER 1, USER 2, and USER 3 (as indicated by checkedof boxes in filed 106) between the dates from 102 Jan. 1, 2004 and to104 Jan. 31, 2004. The user has also selected the optional field 108 ofdescription and title. The user has also selected the report type 109user report 110. Given this is a valid report request, for whichinformation exists stored on the knowledge archival and recollectionsystem 20, the user will be presented with a report according to theinput parameters.

FIG. 18 depicts screen shot of the report viewer 84 according to apreferred embodiment. After submitting a report request via the userreport interface 80, the user is presented with the report results. Theresults are displayed according to the user report type selected in theuser report interface 80. The user is also presented with the specifictypes of information requested. As shown, the report shows a Username104, date and time 106, url 108 and title 110. The present inventionalso provides a graphical representation 112 of websites visited.

FIG. 19 depicts the method of implementing the report module accordingto a preferred embodiment. The method may include the following steps.Step 300 launching the report module 30 after recognizing a useractuation. The actuation may be clicking of an icon in the in thenetwork browser window, the system tray of the operating system, a freefloating toolbar, a hot key activation, or a context menu selection. Theuser may also initiate the report module 30; by starting a standaloneprogram on the users computer or accessing a specific web address mayalso initiate the report module 30. Step 302: launching a reportingengine. Step: 304, presenting the user with a user report interface,prompting the user to enter parameters according to which a report willbe created. Step 306: receiving the report parameters. Step 308:formulating a query. Step 308: configuring a report generator accordingto the report parameters. Step 310: transmitting the query to thedatabase server 22. Step 312: searching archived reports for reportsthat have been previously generated according to the same parameters.Step 314: returning a previously generated report if one exists. Step316: Obtaining query results from the database server 22. Step 318:loading the query results into a report generator. Step 320: Generatinga report Step 322: displaying the report in the report viewer.

FIG. 20 depicts the automatic timing module 36 of the knowledge archivaland recollection system 20. The automatic timing module 36 is incommunication with the database server 22. The automatic timing module36 may also be in communication with a database connectivity module 44.The automatic timing module 36 may be a standalone program on a user'scomputer, or may be an embedded application to the knowledge archivaland recollection system 20.

As more and more work is being performed in a computer environment,there is an increased need for worker accountability. Keeping track ofbillable time in itself may also be time consuming, as such theknowledge archival and recollection system 20 includes an automatictiming module 36. The main function of the automatic timing module 36 isto time and record the duration of user activities in a computerenvironment without the hassle of extensive direct user input into atiming system.

Time logs generated by the automatic timing module 36, are transmittedand stored on the database server 22. The time logs in conjunction withtheir respective user activity records recorded by the data acquisitionmodule 26 facilitate the requirements of the search module 28, billingmodule 38 and report module 30. User activity includes both activityonline in the network browser 54, and offline in any applications on ausers operating system. The application to be timed may also be chosenby the user using a simple selection menu in the network browsertoolbar. These applications may be, but are not limited to, wordprocessing applications, Internet applications or spreadsheetapplications.

FIG. 21 depicts a method of timing user activity according to apreferred embodiment. The method may include the steps, Step 330:configuring an automatic time tracking module. Step 332: logging intothe knowledge archival and recollection system 20 by the user. Step 334:Prompting the user with a task identifier input interface, upon a useropening an application interface. Step 336 initiating a timer. The timermay be initiated when a user logs into the system 20 or mayautomatically start upon the user opening an application, or may begintiming upon user actuation. The task identifier may include clientidentifier, a case number, task description. Step 338 deactivating thetimer. The timer may be deactivated upon user logout from the knowledgearchival and recollection system 20, an inactive application interface,or manual user deactivation by performing an actuation.

FIG. 22 depicts the billing module 38. The billing module 38 is incommunication with the report module 30, and the database server 22. Thebilling module 38 may also be in communication with the databaseconnectivity module 44. A main component to the functionality of theknowledge archival and recollection system 20 is the function ofbilling. Hand in hand with archiving knowledge and auditing time spentworking in a computer environment is generating bills or invoices forbillable work. As such, the knowledge archival and recollection system20 may also have a billing module 38, which may automatically generate abilling report based on the data stored in the database server 22. Thebilling module 38 may also be in communication with the report module 30because a bill can be characterized as a specific type of report. Whenthe billing module 38 is initiated, a user is presented with a billingmodule interface. The user may input parameters into the billing moduleinput interface. These parameters are transformed into a query andtransmitted to the database server 22. A result analyzer analyzesresults from the database server query. And a report generator generatesa report based on these analyzed results. A user may also manually inputtheir own billing items into the billing module 38. This may allow usersto input billing data for work done not in the computer environment,providing flexible all inclusive billing functionality.

FIG. 23 depicts a method of running the billing module according to apreferred embodiment. The method may include the steps Step 350:initiating the billing module by a user actuation. Step 352: presentingthe user with a billing module user interface, prompting the user toinput parameters for the billing report to be generated. Step 354:reading supporting data from a configuration file. Step 356: formulatinga query from the parameters input by the user. Step 358: transmittingthe query to the database server. Step 360: obtaining the results fromthe database server. Step 362: analyzing the results. Step 364:generating a report by the report generator. Step 366: presenting thebilling report to the user in the report viewer interface. The billingreport format could be customized based on users' requirement. It couldhave all rates, subtotal, details billing options, brief billing optionsand etc. Step 368: transmitting the report to the mail server.

FIG. 24 depicts the file archive indexer 32. The file archive indexer 32may consist of a front-end indexer 92 and a background indexer 90. Thebackground indexer 90 is in communication with the file archive 24 andthe front-end indexer 92. The front-end indexer 92 may be incommunication with the search module 28 and the report module 30.

As the size of the file archive 24 begins to grow, queries to the filearchive 24 from other modules take longer to process. As a result, theinformation stored in the file archive 24 is indexed so that the filearchive 24 is easier to search and is available for faster retrieval.The background indexer 90 may apply at least one indexing algorithm tothe file archive 24 to generate an index of the file archive contents.Indexing may be a time and system resource consuming function. Becausethere is not a high demand for a constantly updated index, indexing maytherefore be done at a predetermined time interval. The index generatedby the background indexer 90 may be stored on the front-end indexer 92.By storing an index of the file archive 24 contents on the front-endindexer, the search module 28 and report module 30 queries are processedby the front-end indexer.

FIG. 25 depicts the post-processing module 42, which performs processingfunctions of the data collected by the data acquisition module. Thepost-processing module 42 is in communication with the file archive 24and the data acquisition module 26. The post processing functions may besaving a thumbnail image of the file accessed, indexing archived filestored in the file archive, indexing data stored on the database serve,ranking the archived documents. The ranking system may be a modifiedweight scale comprising a user designated ranking, as well as the numberof “hits” on the file. Other post-processing functions may be removingredundant information on the file archive, as well as categorization orcluster of archived documents, crating user profiles, crating websiteprofiles, generating user search patterns, compressing/decompressing andencrypting/decrypting files stored on the file archive 24.

FIG. 26 depicts the data presentation module 40 according to a preferredembodiment. The data presentation module is in communication with thereport module 30, search module 28 and database server 22. Archived datamay be presented to the user through various methods. Data presentationincludes displaying file modifications to a user as well as the displayof report results and search results. The data presentation module 40may work in conjunction with the data acquisition module 26. To theuser, there may be no appearance of distinct modules. In theory the datapresentation module 40 may be a component of the data acquisition module26, collectively one program, just different functions. The presentationof file modifications may be performed through the network browser. Anexample of file modification presentation is when a user may navigate,in a network browser, to a file that has either been previously subjectto file modification or currently in, the process of modification. Aspreviously described, file modifications may include annotations,rankings and highlights. The data presentation module 40 retrieves filemodifications associated with the respective file accessed, and displaysthe file modifications to the user through the network browser window.The display of file modifications may be toggled between visible orinvisible by a user actuation in a toolbar.

Another form of data presentation is the presentation of search resultsand report results. Through the data acquisition module 26 and thetoolbar plug-in 52, a user may invoke search and report functions thatare performed by the search module 28 and report module 30 respectively.Search results generated by the search module 28 are displayed throughthe search module interface, and reports generated by the report module30 may be displayed to the user through, the report user interface. Boththe search user interface and the report user interface display theresults through the network browser. In this case, the network browserplug-in 50 is in communication with the report module 30 and the searchmodule 28.

1. A computer implemented knowledge archival and recollection systemaccessible by at least one user for gathering, saving and presentinguser activity data, said system comprising: a computer being used bysaid at least one user; a database server in communication with saidcomputer; a file archive in communication with said database server forstoring files and data regarding said files; a file archive indexer incommunication with said database server and said file archive forindexing said file archive, said file archive indexer includes afront-end indexer and a background indexer; wherein said front-endindexer processes queries and said background indexer generates andupdates indexes; a report module in communication with said computer forpreparing reports regarding user activity, wherein report modulecomprising of a user report interface, a report engine, a reportgenerator, and a report viewer; a search module in communication withsaid computer for conducting a search of data available on saidcomputer, said database server and said file archive; a data acquisitionmodule in communication with said database server and said file archive,wherein said data acquisition module gathers said user activity data andstores said user activity data on said database server and gathersactual content accessed by said at least one user and transmits saidfiles to said file archive for retrieval by each said at least one user;wherein said data acquisition module includes a network browser plug-inand a toolbar plug-in embedded in a network browser of said computer;wherein said toolbar plug-in collects at least one file enhancement,associates said file enhancement with a file being currently accessed bysaid at least one user in said network browser and transmits said fileenhancement to said database server; wherein said file enhancementincluding annotation and file insertion; wherein said file archive is incommunication with said database server, said file archive indexer, andsaid data acquisition module; and a data presentation module incommunication with said report module and said search module; whereinsaid data presentation module displays file modifications, reportresults and search results to said at least one user; wherein saidreport module is in communication with said database server, said datapresentation module, said search module and said file archive; whereinsaid search module is in communication with said database server, saidfile archive indexer, said data presentation module, said report moduleand said file archive, wherein said file archive indexer is incommunication with said file archive, said database server, said reportmodule and said search module; wherein said data presentation modulepresents said user activity data, said associated enhancement datareceived from said database server and said file archive to said atleast one user; wherein said user activity data includes data ofactivity of said user on said computer including said user is accessingonline data, being provided to said computer from a network, and offlinedata, being locally available on said computer; wherein said offlinedata includes files stored locally on said computer, and wherein saiduser activity data includes operations performed on said offline data;wherein said report module receives input parameters including keyword,date range, said user activity, said file enhancement, criteria andgraph options from said at least one user at an input and outputinterface of said computer; generates a customizable user activityreport based on the input parameters and said user activity data; andpresents said report to said at least one user on the input and outputinterface of said computer.
 2. The system as in claims 1, wherein saidnetwork browser may be an intranet browser, internet browser.
 3. Thesystem as in claim 1, wherein said toolbar plug-in is selected from thegroup consisting of visible plug-in and invisible plug-in.
 4. The systemas in claims 1, wherein said system has a configuration and saidconfiguration is selected from the group consisting of standalone,distributed over a network, and distributed over the world-wide-web. 5.The system as in claim 1, wherein said knowledge archival andrecollection system is distributed over the world-wide-web.
 6. Thesystem as in claim 1, wherein said data presentation module is selectedfrom the group consisting of standalone application, embedded in saidnetwork browser window.
 7. The system as in claim 1, further comprisinga timing module, wherein said timing module records the start time andstop time for an activity within an application.
 8. The system as inclaim 7, wherein said timing module is a standalone program on said atleast one users computer.
 9. The system as in claim 7, wherein saidtiming module is in communication with database server using a databaseconnection protocol.
 10. The system as in claim 9, wherein said timingmodule is in communication with said database server through a databaseconnectivity module.
 11. The system as in claim 1, further comprising anautomatic billing module in communication with said report module, anddatabase server.
 12. The system as in claim 11, further comprising atiming module, wherein said billing module is in communication with saiddatabase server using a database connection protocol, and creates billsaccording to information stored on said database server from said timingmodule.
 13. The system as in claim 12, wherein said database connectionprotocol is selected from the group consisting of ODBC, JDBC, HTTP/PHP.14. The system as in claim 12, wherein said billing module is incommunication with said database server via a database connectivitymodule.
 15. The system as in claim 1, wherein said data acquisitionmodule is a standalone module residing on said at least one user'scomputer.
 16. The system as in claim 1, wherein said network browserplug-in is selected from the group consisting of visible plug-in,invisible plug-in and in built plug-in.
 17. The system as in claim 1,wherein said network browser plug-in transmits files accessed by said atleast one users network browser to said file archive using a filetransfer connection.
 18. The system as in claim 17, wherein said filetransfer connection is selected from the group consisting of networkdrive map, secure FTP, HTTP and IP-based connection.
 19. The system asin claim 1, wherein said network browser plug-in transmits user activitydata gathered from said at least one users network browser to saiddatabase server using a database connection protocol.
 20. The system asin claim 19, wherein said database connection protocol is selected fromthe group consisting of ODBC, JDBC, HTTP/PHP.
 21. The system as in claim1, wherein said network browser plug-in transmits data gathered fromsaid at least one users network browser to said database server via adatabase connectivity module using a database connection protocol. 22.The system as in claim 21, wherein said database connection protocol isselected from the group consisting of ODBC, JDBC and HTTP/PHP.
 23. Thesystem as in claim 21, wherein said user activity data is selected fromthe group consisting of user activity information, system informationand environment information.
 24. The system as in claim 1, furthercomprising a messenger monitor module in communication with saiddatabase server using a database connection protocol, and said filearchive, wherein said messenger monitor module tracks user activity in amessenger application.
 25. The system as in claim 24, wherein saidmessenger monitor module includes a messenger plug-in embedded in saidat least one user's messenger application.
 26. The system as in claim24, wherein said messenger monitor module is a standalone applicationresiding on said at least one user's computer.
 27. The system as inclaim 24, wherein said messenger plug-in is selected from the groupconsisting of visible plug-in, invisible plug-in and in built plug-in.28. The system as in claim 25, wherein said messenger plug-in transmitsmessenger files accessed by said at least one users messengerapplication to said file archive via a file transfer connection.
 29. Thesystem as in claim 28, wherein said file transfer connection is selectedfrom the group consisting of network drive map, secure FTP, HTTP andIP-based connection.
 30. The system as in claim 25, wherein saidmessenger plug-in transmits user activity data gathered from said atleast one users messenger system to said database server using adatabase connection protocol.
 31. The system as in claim 30, whereinsaid database connection protocol is selected from the group consistingof ODBC, JDBC and HTTP/PHP.
 32. The system as in claim 25, wherein saidmessenger plug-in transmits data to said database server through adatabase connection module.
 33. The system as in claim 30, wherein saiduser activity data is selected from the group consisting of useractivity information, system information, environment information. 34.The system as in claim 1, further comprising a database connectivitymodule in communication with said data acquisition module, said filearchive, said database server, said report module, and said searchmodule, wherein said database connectivity module acts as communicationgateway to the database server.
 35. The system as in claim 34, whereinsaid database connectivity module is in communication with a timingmodule, a billing module, a messenger monitor module.
 36. The system asin claim 34, wherein said database connectivity module communicatesusing a protocol selected from the group consisting of ODBC, JDBC andHTTP/PHP.
 37. The system as in claim 34, wherein said databaseconnectivity module resides on the user side of the system.
 38. Thesystem as in claim 34, wherein said database connectivity module resideson the server side of the system.
 39. The system as in claim 1, whereinsaid front-end indexer in communication with said search module and saidreport module, and a said background indexer in communication with saidfile archive and said front-end indexer.
 40. The system as in claim 39,wherein said background indexer applies at least one indexing algorithmto index said file archive at a predetermined time.
 41. The system as inclaim 39, wherein said background indexer generates an index of filearchive contents, and stores said index on said front-end indexer. 42.The system as in claim 1, wherein said search module is in communicationwith said file archive indexer, said report module, said database serverusing a database connection protocol and in communication with said filearchive using a file transfer connection, wherein said search moduleretrieves user activity data stored on said database server and filesstored on said file archive.
 43. The system as in claim 42, wherein saidfile transfer connection is selected from the group consisting ofnetwork drive map, secure FTP, HTTP and IP-based connection.
 44. Thesystem as in claim 42, wherein said database connection protocol isselected from the group consisting of ODBC, JDBC and HTTP/PHP.
 45. Thesystem as in claim 42, wherein said search module is in communicationwith said database server through a database connectivity module. 46.The system as in claim 1, wherein said search module is comprised of auser search interface, a search engine, a result analyzer and aclick-stream visualization module.
 47. The system as in claim 46,wherein said user search interface is embedded in each of said at leastone user's network browser window.
 48. The system as in claim 46,wherein said user search interface is selected from the group consistingof web-based search interface, standalone program.
 49. The system as inclaim 42, wherein said search module is further comprised of a queryformulator module.
 50. The system as in claim 1, wherein said searchmodule resides on the user side of the system.
 51. The system as inclaim 1, wherein said search module resides on the server side of thesystem.
 52. The system as in claim 1, wherein said report module iscomprised of a report user interface, a report generator and a reportviewer.
 53. The system as in claim 1, wherein said report module is incommunication with a database server.
 54. The system as in claim 1,wherein said report module is in communication with a file archive, afile archive indexer, a database server, a search module, and a billingmodule.
 55. The system as in claim 52, wherein said report generator isweb based and is selected from the group consisting of crystal reports,Data Reports, ASP.net, and XML.
 56. The system as in claim 52, whereinsaid database server is in communication with said file archive indexerusing a file transfer connection and said file archive indexer and saidreport generator is in communication with said database server using adatabase connection protocol.
 57. The system as in claim 56, whereinsaid file transfer connection is selected from the group consisting ofnetwork drive map, secure FTP, HTTP and IP-based connection.
 58. Thesystem as in claim 56, wherein said database connection protocol isselected from the group consisting of ODBC, JDBC, and HTTP/PHP.
 59. Thesystem as in claim 53, wherein said report module communicates with saiddatabase server through a database connectivity module.
 60. The systemas in claim 52, wherein said report user interface is embedded in saidat least one user's Internet browser window.
 61. The system as in claim52, wherein said report user interface is a web-based search interface.62. The system as in claim 52, wherein said report user interface is astandalone module located on said at least one user's computer.
 63. Thesystem as in claim 1, wherein said report module resides on the userside of the system.
 64. The system as in claim 1, wherein said reportmodule resides on the server side of the system.
 65. The system as inclaim 1, wherein said report module is in communication with a mailserver.
 66. The system as in claim 11, further comprising: an automaticbilling module in communication with said report module, and databaseserver; and a timing module, wherein said billing module is incommunication with said database server using a database connectionprotocol, and creates bills according to data provided from saiddatabase server and said timing module.